2015 PAFL Recap – Round 6

Game 1 – Brewers vs. Ospreys
Well it was another warm and sunny day that saw the return to the PAFL after some solid training sessions and an impressive Steelheads trip away down to Sacramento. Round 6 was always going to be important for all teams in shaping the run home to finals.

The early game saw the ladder leading Brewers taking on the Ospreys, who had hit a form slump. A lack of tall timber saw for interesting ruck contests all day, but the midfield battle was fierce as always. Marto was ever present, though sprayed a few shots going forward, while Stephen again showed that he is a future star with some nice touches and important fitness for the Brewers. The addition of Dan Nowell back into the birds side was important, and he along with Ty gained important clearances to give the Ospreys a couple of goals lead going in to half time.

The second half was much of the same, see-sawing goals back and forth, but it was the Ospreys with some cleaner movement and more inside 50’s that eventually ran over the top of the ladder leaders. The move of Simone and Pete to the backline was clever from coach Okely, while Evan keeps improving every week. The same can be said on the other side, with Bottles playing a fantastic game, and Paul and important addition up forward. The Ospreys now move to 3-3 and will look to finish the season strongly to push for a finals birth, while the Brewers have dropped their last 2 and will look to get back on the winners list in the next round against the Loggers to stay on top of the table.

Game 2 – Cascades vs. Loggers
The later game saw the 2 other sides on 2-3 looking to ensure they weren’t lingering at the bottom of the ladder. Both sides were at near full strength, but it was the Cascades who shot out of the blocks with a flurry of early goals thanks to the run of Johnny Kim and the class of Dave through the middle. Once again, Mischa showed he is a player of the future with his tough attack on the ball, helping the cascades to a solid half time lead.

The second half started similarly, but then it was the Loggers who got on a roll and finished with all of the footy. Vincent kicked a couple of vital goals and showed that practice makes perfect with some solid field kicking also, Coxy proved his value to the team with some strong midfield work, while Luke and Sandman provided their experience to will the Loggers into the contest. ultimately they fell short, but it was a valiant effort in what was a cracking game. The Cascades now join the Ospreys on 3-3, while the Loggers will take confidence into their next game with that strong ending.